DETROIT, MI.- For the first time in its history, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is inviting the public to donate works of art (minimum value of $250) to auction off in a Big Art Sale fundraiser that takes place on Thursday and Friday, October 1 and 2. The DIA is looking for paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries, carpets, small scale furniture, decorative service pieces, crystal and sports memorabilia, each with a minimum value of $250. Only 350 items will be accepted for auction and donations will be taken through Friday, July 17.

DuMouchelle Art Galleries is donating their auction services and the Big Art Sale will take place at their location at 409 E. Jefferson in Detroit. DuMouchelle will determine which donations are accepted, and assign a minimum bid. The goal is to keep the caliber of the Big Art Sale at the highest level and to offer a wide range of items.

There will be an invitation-only Preview Night party on Thursday, October 1 at 6 p.m. that will feature a live and a silent auction, with five items valued at $10,000 or more and another 20 items in the $5,000 range. The public live auction will take place on Friday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. Daytime viewing will be available on both days.

Items submitted so far include works by Tyree Guyton, Jacob Lawrence, Max Ernst and Alexander Calder.